Investigators said it was a random act of violence that took the life of Catherine "Kitty" Houghton, 70, of Novato, Calif., at a Hampton Inn in Littleton. Rodney Hill, 37, of West Danville, Vt., has been charged with second-degree murder.

Investigators said Houghton was stabbed in the neck and torso. No motive has been released, and officials said there's no indication the two knew each other.

Residents of West Danville said Hill made an impression, describing him as a man with strong opinions who could "go off" on a topic easily. Friends of Houghton described her as a loving, brilliant pilot and philanthropist.

"She was always so community-minded and a very kind person," said Monica Brett, a friend of Houghton's. "And she loved traveling. She loved to fly more than anything."

At the airfield where Hougton kept her Cessna, she was known for her work with AngelFlight, which provides free air transportation for charitable or medical reasons.

"That was part of her repertoire," said Bob Patterson of Petaluma Municipal Airport. "She was a marvelous person."

In West Danville, 30 miles from where Houghton was stabbed, residents were trying to make sense of what happened. Hill was a regular customer at Joe's Pond Cafe.

"I never saw him get physical, but I've seen him get carried away loud," said cafe owner Jeff Downs.

A check of court records shows that Hill has no prior arrests or charges in Caledonia County and no record in family court.

Hill lived on Howard Road with his wife and son and was known for his work as a welder. Some residents said they believe Hill might have moved out in recent days over marital troubles.

Hill is being held without bail until his probable cause hearing Feb. 5.

The autopsy on Houghton was completed Tuesday. The report is expected to be released Thursday.

Images: Scene of homicide at Hampton Inn in Littleton

1 of 8

An arrest has been made in the stabbing death of a woman at a Littleton hotel Monday night.